A symbol of subjection and servitude, 1 Kings 12:4; an iron yoke, of severe oppression, Deuteronomy 28:48. The ceremonial law was a yoke, a burden-some restriction, Acts 15:10 Galatians 5:1. The withdrawing or breaking of a yoke denoted a temporary or an unlimited emancipation form bondage, Isaiah 58:6 Jeremiah 2:20, and sometimes the disowning of rightful authority, Jeremiah 5:5. The iron yoke imposed by our sins, none but God can remove, Lamentations 1:14; but the yoke of Christ’s service is easy and light, Matthew 11:29,30.

Fitted on the neck of oxen for the purpose of binding to them the traces by which they might draw the plough, etc. (Numbers 19:2; Deuteronomy 21:3). It was a curved piece of wood called 'Ol .

In Jeremiah 27:2; 28:10,12the word in the Authorized Version rendered "yoke" is Motah , which properly means a "staff," or as in the Revised Version, "bar."

These words in the Hebrew are both used figuratively of severe bondage, or affliction, or subjection (Leviticus 26:13; 1 Kings 12:4; Isaiah 47:6; Lamentations 1:14; 3:27). In the New Testament the word "yoke" is also used to denote servitude (Matthew 11:29,30; Acts 15:10; Galatians 5:1).

In 1Sam 1 Samuel 19:21, Job 1:3 the word thus translated is Tzemed , Which signifies a pair, two oxen yoked or coupled together, and hence in 1 Samuel 14:14 it represents as much land as a yoke of oxen could plough in a day, like the Latin Jugum . In Isaiah 5:10 this word in the plural is translated "acres."

YOKE, n. G., L., Gr.

1. A piece of timber, hollowed or made curving near each end, and fitted with bows for receiving the necks of oxen; by which means two are connected for drawing. From a ring or hook in the bow, a chain extends to the thing to be drawn, or to the yoke of another pair of oxen behind.

2. A mark of servitude; slavery; bondage.

Our country sinks beneath the yoke.

3. A chain; a link; a bond of connection; as the yoke of marriage.

4. A couple; a pair; as a yoke of oxen.

5. Service.

My yoke is easy. Matthew 11.

YOKE, v.t.

1. To put a yoke on; to join in a yoke; as, to yoke oxen, or a pair of oxen.

2. To couple; to join with another.

Cassius, you are yoked with a lamb.

3. To enslave; to bring into bondage.

4. To restrain; to confine. Libertines like not to be yoked in marriage.

The words and promises that yoke the conqueror, are quickly broke.

A well-known implement of husbandry, frequently used metaphorically for subjection , e.g. (1 Kings 12:4,9-11; Isaiah 9:4; Jeremiah 5:5) hence an "iron yoke" represents an unusually galling bondage. ( 28:48; Jeremiah 28:13) A pair of oxen, so termed as being yoked together. (1 Samuel 11:7; 1 Kings 19:19,21) The Hebrew term is also applied to asses, (Judges 19:10) and mules, (2 Kings 5:17) and even to a couple of riders. (Isaiah 21:7) The term is also applied to a certain amount of land, (1 Samuel 14:14) equivalent to that which a couple of oxen could plough in a day, (Isaiah 5:10) (Authorized Version "acre"), corresponding to the Latin jugum .